'Fake Admiral' pleads guilty of attending wreath-laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday dressed in Navy uniform

'Fake Admiral' pleads guilty of attending wreath-laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday dressed in Navy uniform

'Fake Admiral' pleads guilty of attending wreath-laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday dressed in Navy uniform

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Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 05/01/2026

- 11:42

Updated: 05/01/2026

- 12:32

Jonathan Carley appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning

The "fake Admiral" who attended a Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying event dressed as an admiral in the Royal Navy without permission has pleaded guilty.

Jonathan Carley appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, receiving a £500 fine and ordered to pay a total of £285 in costs after his plea.


Carley's solicitor, Mark Haslam, said: "In this case there is no suggestion that this defence was seeking to make any financial gain at all other than simply wanting to be part of the proceedings.

"I accept the seriousness of what he has done, and so does he and the consequences of his behaviour, there is a great deal of personal mitigation.

"This is a case that could be dealt with with a conditional discharge.

"He seriously underestimated the anger."

Outside the court, Carley's solicitor added that the defendant was "utterly remorseful" and reiterated his apologies to all those affected.

The District Judge Gwyn Jones said that Carley intended to "deceive" others, adding that he caused a "great deal of pain" to the families of servicemen due to his actions.

Those who know him are said to be "surprised" he decided to take an "extremely foolish action" on Remembrance Sunday, the judge said.

'Walter Mitty' admiral

The 'fake Admiral' who attended a Remembrance Sunday event dressing as a navy Admiral without permission has pleaded guilty

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Although, he stated it was a "sad reflection" that Carley took such actions.

According to Prosecutor James Neary, the fake medals that Carley wore included the Companion of Distinction Service Order, the Queen Victoria Medal and Operational service medals in Iraq and Syria.

He also identified himself as a Rear Admiral and a representative of the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd.

Following his fine, Carley was allowed to leave the court.

'Walter Mitty' admiral

Jonathan Carley managed to get into the wreath-laying event and saluted at the war memorial whilst wearing a naval uniform adorned with around twelve medals

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Carley's appearance at the occasion in November triggered widespread anger among military veterans.

Importantly, it caught the attention of the Walter Mitty Hunters Club on Facebook, a group that specialise in exposing people who falsely claim military honours.

The online group examined the medal combination and found no records of anyone legitimately earning both honours.

Members of the group at the time described him as an "absolute belter," suggesting: "This might be the highest ranking Walt attempt ever" - referring to their nickname for military impostors.

After being approached by the parade marshal during the ceremony, Carley insisted he was there on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd.

This was immediately disputed by Lord Lieutenant Harry Fethersonhaugh, who told The Sun at the time: "I have never seen him before in my life."

Llandudno Council also confirmed they weren't informed about his attendance beforehand, and were unaware of his credentials.

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